{{tnr}}'''Frank James "Jim" Sensenbrenner Jr.''' (b. June 14, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois) is a [[Republican]] member of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] from the state of [[Wisconsin]]. Sensenbrenner has represented [[Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District]] since 2003, when the district he previously represented, the 9th district, was eliminated. He was first elected to the House in 1978. Sensenbrenner was re-elected in 2012.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/House/2012/ ''Politico'' "2012 House Race Results"]</ref> He {{2014isrunning}} for re-election in 2014.

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{{tnr}}'''Frank James "Jim" Sensenbrenner Jr.''' (b. June 14, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois) is a [[Republican]] member of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] from the state of [[Wisconsin]]. Sensenbrenner has represented [[Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District]] since 2003, when the district he previously represented, the 9th District, was eliminated. He was first elected to the House in 1978. Sensenbrenner was re-elected in 2012.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/House/2012/ ''Politico'' "2012 House Race Results"]</ref> He {{2014isrunning}} for re-election in 2014.

Prior to his election to the U.S. House, Sensenbrenner served in the [[Wisconsin State Assembly]] and the [[Wisconsin State Senate]].<ref name=bio>[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=S000244 ''Biographical Directory of the United States Congress'' "Frank James Sensenbrenner Jr.," Accessed November 19, 2011]</ref>

Prior to his election to the U.S. House, Sensenbrenner served in the [[Wisconsin State Assembly]] and the [[Wisconsin State Senate]].<ref name=bio>[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=S000244 ''Biographical Directory of the United States Congress'' "Frank James Sensenbrenner Jr.," Accessed November 19, 2011]</ref>

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Below is an abbreviated outline of Sensenbrenner's academic, professional and political career:<ref name=bio>[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=S000244 ''Biographical Directory of the United States Congress'' "Frank James Sensenbrenner Jr.," Accessed November 19, 2011]</ref>

Below is an abbreviated outline of Sensenbrenner's academic, professional and political career:<ref name=bio>[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=S000244 ''Biographical Directory of the United States Congress'' "Frank James Sensenbrenner Jr.," Accessed November 19, 2011]</ref>

Sensenbrenner was a member of the following committees:<ref>[http://sensenbrenner.house.gov/Biography/Committees.htm ''Official House website'' "Committee Assignments," Accessed November 19, 2011]</ref>

Sensenbrenner was a member of the following committees:<ref>[http://sensenbrenner.house.gov/Biography/Committees.htm ''Official House website'' "Committee Assignments," Accessed November 19, 2011]</ref>

*[[United States House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary|Committee on the Judiciary]]

*[[United States House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary|Committee on the Judiciary]]

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====National security====

====National security====

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=====NDAA=====

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======NDAA======

{{Support vote}} Sensenbrenner voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/45512#.UjdO8j9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "HR 1960 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

{{Support vote}} Sensenbrenner voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/45512#.UjdO8j9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "HR 1960 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

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=====DHS Appropriations=====

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======DHS Appropriations======

{{Oppose vote}} Sensenbrenner voted against HR 2217 - the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/44545#.UjdO9j9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "HR 2217 - Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

{{Oppose vote}} Sensenbrenner voted against HR 2217 - the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/44545#.UjdO9j9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "HR 2217 - Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

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=====Keystone Pipeline Amendment=====

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======Keystone Pipeline Amendment======

{{Oppose vote}} Sensenbrenner voted against House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/44088#.Ul7hdxCMLQM ''Project Vote Smart,'' "H Amdt 69 - Requires Threat Assessment of Pipeline Vulnerabilities to a Terrorist Attack - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

{{Oppose vote}} Sensenbrenner voted against House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/44088#.Ul7hdxCMLQM ''Project Vote Smart,'' "H Amdt 69 - Requires Threat Assessment of Pipeline Vulnerabilities to a Terrorist Attack - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

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=====CISPA (2013)=====

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======CISPA (2013)======

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{{Oppose vote}} Sensenbrenner voted against HR 624 - the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act. The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill would allow federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/43791#.UjdO-j9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "HR 624 - Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

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{{Oppose vote}} Sensenbrenner voted against HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill would allow federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/43791#.UjdO-j9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "HR 624 - CISPA (2013) - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

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=====NSA criticism=====

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======NSA criticism======

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Sensenbrenner continued to have harsh words for the NSA and the House and Senate Intelligence committees in December 2013. He said, "Instead of putting the brakes on overreaches, they’ve been stepping on the gas." He accused Director of National Intelligence James Clapper of lying and said he should be prosecuted. Sensenbrenner blames the abuses on the Judiciary committee, saying "I don’t think the oversight was vigorously done by the Judiciary Committee. When I was running the Judiciary Committee, it was being vigorously done." Sensenbrenner also blasted [[Dianne Feinstein]]'s bill that would protect phone data collection, calling it "a joke".<ref>[http://thehill.com/homenews/house/192561-feinsteins-nsa-bill-is-a-joke-says-rep-james-sensenbrenner ''The Hill'', "Patriot Act author: Feinstein bill ‘a joke’'', accessed December 10, 2013]</ref>

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Sensenbrenner continued to have harsh words for the NSA and the House and Senate Intelligence committees in December 2013. He said, "Instead of putting the brakes on overreaches, they’ve been stepping on the gas." He accused Director of National Intelligence James Clapper of lying and said he should be prosecuted. Sensenbrenner blames the abuses on the Judiciary Committee, saying "I don’t think the oversight was vigorously done by the Judiciary Committee. When I was running the Judiciary Committee, it was being vigorously done." Sensenbrenner also blasted [[Dianne Feinstein]]'s bill that would protect phone data collection, calling it "a joke".<ref>[http://thehill.com/homenews/house/192561-feinsteins-nsa-bill-is-a-joke-says-rep-james-sensenbrenner ''The Hill'', "Patriot Act author: Feinstein bill ‘a joke’'', accessed December 10, 2013]</ref>

{{support vote}} On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll504.xml ''Clerk of the U.S. House,'' "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013]</ref> At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. [[Harry Reid]] rejected the call to conference.<ref>[http://www.buzzfeed.com/katenocera/government-shutdown-how-we-got-here?bffb ''Buzzfeed'', "Government Shutdown: How We Got Here," accessed October 1, 2013]</ref> Sensenbrenner voted to approve the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll504.xml''Clerk of the U.S. House,'' "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013]</ref>

{{support vote}} On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll504.xml ''Clerk of the U.S. House,'' "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013]</ref> At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. [[Harry Reid]] rejected the call to conference.<ref>[http://www.buzzfeed.com/katenocera/government-shutdown-how-we-got-here?bffb ''Buzzfeed'', "Government Shutdown: How We Got Here," accessed October 1, 2013]</ref> Sensenbrenner voted to approve the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll504.xml''Clerk of the U.S. House,'' "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013]</ref>

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====Immigration====

====Immigration====

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=====Morton Memos Prohibition=====

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======Morton Memos Prohibition======

{{Support vote}} Sensenbrenner voted for House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain illegal aliens residing in the United States.<ref>[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:hamdt136: ''The Library of Congress,'' "H.AMDT.136," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref> The vote largely followed party lines.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/44693#.UjdQYz9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "H Amdt 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

{{Support vote}} Sensenbrenner voted for House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain illegal aliens residing in the United States.<ref>[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:hamdt136: ''The Library of Congress,'' "H.AMDT.136," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref> The vote largely followed party lines.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/44693#.UjdQYz9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "H Amdt 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

====Healthcare====

====Healthcare====

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=====Health Care Reform Rules=====

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======Health Care Reform Rules======

{{Support vote}} Sensenbrenner voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/45799#.UjdQtz9-q1c ''Project Votesmart,'' "H Amdt 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

{{Support vote}} Sensenbrenner voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/45799#.UjdQtz9-q1c ''Project Votesmart,'' "H Amdt 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

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======ACA======

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[[Ron Johnson]] is suing the Office of Personnel Management over the subsidies provided by the government for Congressional members and staffers. The subsidies are to help offset the cost of their health insurance plans. Johnson is suing on the grounds these subsidies are not available to all people seeking insurance under the ACA. He said, "The American people have an expectation — Wisconsinites have an expectation — that members of Congress should be subjected to the letter of the law just like they’re held to the letter of the law. In this case, members of Congress now are not being held to the letter of the law, and that creates an alienation. It creates a wedge between a member of Congress and their constituents."<ref>[http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/health-reform-implementation/194450-ron-johnson-to-sue-over-obamacare ''The Hill'', "Johnson to sue over O-Care contributions", accessed January 6, 2014]</ref> Sensenbrenner had harsh words for Johnson's lawsuit. He said, "Senator Johnson’s lawsuit is an unfortunate political stunt. I am committed to repealing Obamacare, but the employer contribution he’s attacking is nothing more than a standard benefit that most private and all federal employees receive — including the President. Success in the suit will mean that Congress will lose some of its best staff and will be staffed primarily by recent college graduates who are still on their parents’ insurance. Senator Johnson should spend his time legislating rather than litigating as our country is facing big problems that must be addressed by Congress — not the courts. All Republicans want to repeal Obamacare, but this politically motivated lawsuit only takes public attention away from how bad all of Obamacare really is and focuses it on a trivial issue. Fortunately, Senator Johnson’s suit is likely frivolous and will not achieve the result he’s seeking."<ref name=law>[http://blogs.rollcall.com/wgdb/sensenbrenner-blasts-ron-johnsons-lawsuit-against-staff-health-care-contributions/ ''Roll Call'', "Sensenbrenner Blasts Ron Johnson’s Lawsuit Against Staff Health Care Contributions", accessed January 6, 2014]</ref>

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Johnson responded to Sensenbrenner's comments. He said, "I have always respected Congressman Sensenbrenner, but I am disappointed and puzzled by his disagreement with me on an issue that all but two congressional Republicans (including Congressman Sensenbrenner) have voted in favor of — ending the special treatment for members of Congress and their staffs under Obamacare. By no means do I believe this issue is trivial, or my lawsuit to overturn this injustice is frivolous,” Johnson said in his response. “This is an issue of basic fairness that I believe is worth fighting for."<ref name=law>[http://blogs.rollcall.com/wgdb/sensenbrenner-blasts-ron-johnsons-lawsuit-against-staff-health-care-contributions/ ''Roll Call'', "Sensenbrenner Blasts Ron Johnson’s Lawsuit Against Staff Health Care Contributions", accessed January 6, 2014]</ref>

====Social issues====

====Social issues====

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=====Abortion=====

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======Abortion======

{{Support vote}} Sensenbrenner voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill is to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/45098#.UjdRJz9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

{{Support vote}} Sensenbrenner voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill is to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/45098#.UjdRJz9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

====Previous congressional sessions====

====Previous congressional sessions====

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=====Fiscal Cliff=====

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======Fiscal Cliff======

{{Oppose vote}}

{{Oppose vote}}

Sensenbrenner voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was 1 of 151 Republicans that voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2012/roll659.xml ''U.S. House'' "Roll Call Vote on the Fiscal Cliff" Accessed January 4, 2013.]</ref>

Sensenbrenner voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was 1 of 151 Republicans that voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2012/roll659.xml ''U.S. House'' "Roll Call Vote on the Fiscal Cliff" Accessed January 4, 2013.]</ref>

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Sensenbrenner was first appointed to the House Judiciary Committee shortly after he was sworn into the Congress in 1979.<ref>[http://www.legis.state.wi.us/lrb/bb/05bb/11-17.pdf "State of Wisconsin" 2005-2006 Blue Book](See Page 15)</ref> During his thirty year tenure on the committee, the Congressman has managed the impeachment proceedings of federal judges Samuel Kent and Walter Nixon, along with the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton.<ref>[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=S000244 "Congressional Biographical Directory" Biography of Congressman Sensenbrenner]</ref>

Sensenbrenner was first appointed to the House Judiciary Committee shortly after he was sworn into the Congress in 1979.<ref>[http://www.legis.state.wi.us/lrb/bb/05bb/11-17.pdf "State of Wisconsin" 2005-2006 Blue Book](See Page 15)</ref> During his thirty year tenure on the committee, the Congressman has managed the impeachment proceedings of federal judges Samuel Kent and Walter Nixon, along with the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton.<ref>[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=S000244 "Congressional Biographical Directory" Biography of Congressman Sensenbrenner]</ref>

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In addition, Sensenbrenner serves as the Republican Ranking Member on the on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. In addition, Sensenbrenner serves on the House Judiciary Subcommittees on Courts and Competition Policy and is a member of the Task Force on Judicial Impeachment which is responsible for handling impeachments of federal judges.<ref>[http://judiciary.house.gov/about/subcommittee.html "House Judiciary Commitee" List of Subcommittees]</ref>

Sensenbrenner {{2014isrunning}} in the [[U.S. Congress elections, 2014|2014 election]] for the [[U.S. House elections, 2014|U.S. House]], representing [[United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin, 2014|Wisconsin's]] [[Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District elections, 2014|5th District]]. Sensenbrenner {{2014isseeking}} the Republican nomination in the primary. {{Nov2014genelection}}

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Sensenbrenner {{2014isrunning}} in the [[U.S. Congress elections, 2014|2014 election]] for the [[U.S. House elections, 2014|U.S. House]] to represent [[United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin, 2014|Wisconsin's]] [[Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District elections, 2014|5th District]]. Sensenbrenner {{2014isseeking}} the Republican nomination in the primary. {{Nov2014genelection}}

Sensenbrenner won re-election to the [[U.S. House]] in 2010. During that re-election cycle, Sensenbrenner's campaign committee raised a total of $419,147 and spent $471,684.<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?cid=N00004291&cycle=2010 ''Open Secrets'' "F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. 2010 Election Cycle," Accessed November 19, 2011]</ref>

Sensenbrenner won re-election to the [[U.S. House]] in 2010. During that re-election cycle, Sensenbrenner's campaign committee raised a total of $419,147 and spent $471,684.<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?cid=N00004291&cycle=2010 ''Open Secrets'' "F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. 2010 Election Cycle," Accessed November 19, 2011]</ref>

{{Congress donor box 2010

{{Congress donor box 2010

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|Chamber = U.S. House of Representatives, Wisconsin, 5th District

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|Chamber = U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5

|party = Republican

|party = Republican

|total raised = $419,147

|total raised = $419,147

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===Net worth===

===Net worth===

:: ''See also: [[Net Worth of United States Senators and Representatives]]''

:: ''See also: [[Net Worth of United States Senators and Representatives]]''

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====2011====

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Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by ''OpenSecrets.org'', Sensenbrenner's net worth as of 2011 was estimated between $13,423,808 and $18,986,756. That averages to $16,205,282, which is higher than the average net worth of Republican representatives in 2011 of $7,859,232. His average net worth decreased by 13.48% from 2010.<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pfds/CIDsummary.php?CID=N00004291&year=2011 ''OpenSecrets.org'', "Sensenbrenner (R-WI), 2011"]</ref>

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====2010====

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====2012====

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Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by ''OpenSecrets.org'', Sensenbrenner's net worth as of 2010 was estimated between $15,678,876 to $21,782,825. That averages to $18,730,850.50, which is higher than the average net worth of Republican representatives in 2010 of $7,561,133.<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pfds/CIDsummary.php?CID=N00004291&year=2010 ''OpenSecrets.org'', "F. James Sensenbrenner Jr (R-Wis), 2010," Accessed September 7, 2012]</ref>

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Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by ''OpenSecrets.org'', Sensenbrenner's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $15,723,191 to $21,393,142. That averages to '''$18,558,166.50''', which is higher than the average net worth of Republican House members in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Sensenbrenner ranked as the 34th most wealthy representative in 2012.<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pfds/CIDsummary.php?CID=N00004291&year=2012 ''OpenSecrets.org'' "Sensenbrenner, 2012," accessed January 14, 2014]</ref>

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{{Net worth table

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|Collapse=

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|Name =Jim Sensenbrenner

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|Political Party =Republican

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|Year 1 =2010

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|Average 1 =18730850.50

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|Year 2 =2011

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|Average 2 =16205282

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|Year 3 =2012

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|Average 3 =18558166.50

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}}

===National Journal vote ratings===

===National Journal vote ratings===

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|RHouse=Y

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==Recent news==

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This section displays the most recent stories in a Google news search for the term '''Jim + Sensenbrenner + Wisconsin + House'''

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:''All stories may not be relevant to this page due to the nature of the search engine.''

Issues

Legislative actions

113th Congress

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 114 out of the 3,036 introduced bills (3.8 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[5] For more information pertaining to Sensenbrenner's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[6]

National security

NDAA

Sensenbrenner voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[7]

DHS Appropriations

Sensenbrenner voted against HR 2217 - the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.[8]

Keystone Pipeline Amendment

Sensenbrenner voted against House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines.[9]

CISPA (2013)

Sensenbrenner voted against HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill would allow federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[10]

NSA criticism

Sensenbrenner continued to have harsh words for the NSA and the House and Senate Intelligence committees in December 2013. He said, "Instead of putting the brakes on overreaches, they’ve been stepping on the gas." He accused Director of National Intelligence James Clapper of lying and said he should be prosecuted. Sensenbrenner blames the abuses on the Judiciary Committee, saying "I don’t think the oversight was vigorously done by the Judiciary Committee. When I was running the Judiciary Committee, it was being vigorously done." Sensenbrenner also blasted Dianne Feinstein's bill that would protect phone data collection, calling it "a joke".[11]

Government shutdown

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[14] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[15] Sensenbrenner voted to approve the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[16]

The shutdown finally ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funds the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[17] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Sensenbrenner voted against HR 2775.[18]

Immigration

Morton Memos Prohibition

Sensenbrenner voted for House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain illegal aliens residing in the United States.[19] The vote largely followed party lines.[20]

Healthcare

Health Care Reform Rules

Sensenbrenner voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.[21]

ACA

Ron Johnson is suing the Office of Personnel Management over the subsidies provided by the government for Congressional members and staffers. The subsidies are to help offset the cost of their health insurance plans. Johnson is suing on the grounds these subsidies are not available to all people seeking insurance under the ACA. He said, "The American people have an expectation — Wisconsinites have an expectation — that members of Congress should be subjected to the letter of the law just like they’re held to the letter of the law. In this case, members of Congress now are not being held to the letter of the law, and that creates an alienation. It creates a wedge between a member of Congress and their constituents."[22] Sensenbrenner had harsh words for Johnson's lawsuit. He said, "Senator Johnson’s lawsuit is an unfortunate political stunt. I am committed to repealing Obamacare, but the employer contribution he’s attacking is nothing more than a standard benefit that most private and all federal employees receive — including the President. Success in the suit will mean that Congress will lose some of its best staff and will be staffed primarily by recent college graduates who are still on their parents’ insurance. Senator Johnson should spend his time legislating rather than litigating as our country is facing big problems that must be addressed by Congress — not the courts. All Republicans want to repeal Obamacare, but this politically motivated lawsuit only takes public attention away from how bad all of Obamacare really is and focuses it on a trivial issue. Fortunately, Senator Johnson’s suit is likely frivolous and will not achieve the result he’s seeking."[23]

Johnson responded to Sensenbrenner's comments. He said, "I have always respected Congressman Sensenbrenner, but I am disappointed and puzzled by his disagreement with me on an issue that all but two congressional Republicans (including Congressman Sensenbrenner) have voted in favor of — ending the special treatment for members of Congress and their staffs under Obamacare. By no means do I believe this issue is trivial, or my lawsuit to overturn this injustice is frivolous,” Johnson said in his response. “This is an issue of basic fairness that I believe is worth fighting for."[23]

Social issues

Abortion

Sensenbrenner voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill is to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.[24]

Previous congressional sessions

Fiscal Cliff

Sensenbrenner voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was 1 of 151 Republicans that voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.[25]

March on Washington anniversary luncheon

Sensenbrenner spoke at the luncheon marking the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington in August 2013. He broke with other Republicans remarks praising the Republican party's record on civil rights and instead vowed to reinstate the Voting Rights Act provisions stripped by the Supreme Court ruling in June. He said, "I am committed to restoring the Voting Rights Act. The first thing we have to do is take the monkey wrench that the court threw in it out of the Voting Rights Act, and then use that monkey wrench to be able to fix it so that it is alive, well, constitutional and impervious to another challenge that will be filed by the usual suspects.” Sensenbrenner plans to file legislation by the end of the year addressing the issue. RNC spokesman Raffi Williams said Sensenbrenner wasn’t speaking for the party, which has no official stance on the changes in the law.[26]

House Judiciary Committee

Sensenbrenner was first appointed to the House Judiciary Committee shortly after he was sworn into the Congress in 1979.[27] During his thirty year tenure on the committee, the Congressman has managed the impeachment proceedings of federal judges Samuel Kent and Walter Nixon, along with the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton.[28]

European Parliment hearing

Sensenbrenner blasted the NSA in a hearing with the European Parliment in November 2013. Sensenbrenner, who co-wrote the PATRIOT Act in 2001, said the NSA abused the act with their wiretaps. Sensenbrenner said, "I firmly believe the Patriot Act saved lives by strengthening the ability of intelligence agencies to track and stop potential terrorists, but in the past few years, the NSA has weakened, misconstrued and ignored the civil liberty protections we drafted into the law." He added, "Worse, the NSA has cloaked its operations behind such a thick cloud of secrecy that, even if the NSA promised reforms, we would lack the ability to verify them." Sensenbrenner plans to introduce a new bill, the “Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ending Eavesdropping, Dragnet-collection, and Online Monitoring Act” or the USA FREEDOM ACT. The new bill aims to rein in the NSA.[29]

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Jim Sensenbrenner, click [show] to expand the section.

2010

On November 2, 2010, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Todd P. Kolosso (D) and Robert R. Raymond (I) in the general election.[31]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5 General Election, 2010

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

69.3%

229,642

Democratic

Todd P. Kolosso

27.4%

90,634

Independent

Robert R. Raymond

3.3%

10,813

N/A

Scattering

0.1%

169

Total Votes

331,258

2008

On November 4, 2008, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Robert R. Raymond (I) in the general election.[32]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5 General Election, 2008

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

79.6%

275,271

Independent

Robert R. Raymond

20.2%

69,715

N/A

N/A

0.3%

913

Total Votes

345,899

2006

On November 7, 2006, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Bryan Kennedy (D), Robert R. Raymond (I) and Bob Levis (Wisconsin Green) in the general election.[33]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5 General Election, 2006

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

61.8%

194,669

Democratic

Bryan Kennedy

35.7%

112,451

Independent

Robert R. Raymond

1.1%

3,525

Wisconsin Green

Bob Levis

1.4%

4,432

N/A

Scattering

0%

103

Total Votes

315,180

2004

On November 2, 2004, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Bryan Kennedy (D) and Tim Peterson (L) in the general election.[34]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5 General Election, 2004

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

66.6%

271,153

Democratic

Bryan Kennedy

31.8%

129,384

Libertarian

Tim Peterson

1.6%

6,549

N/A

Scattering

0.1%

205

Total Votes

407,291

2002

On November 5, 2002, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Robert Raymond (I) in the general election.[35]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 5 General Election, 2002

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

86.1%

191,224

Independent

Robert Raymond

13.3%

29,567

N/A

Scattering

0.5%

1,221

Total Votes

222,012

2000

On November 7, 2000, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Mike Clawson (D) in the general election.[36]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 2000

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

74%

239,498

Democratic

Mike Clawson

25.9%

83,720

N/A

Scattering

0.1%

237

Total Votes

323,455

1998

On November 3, 1998, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jeffrey M. Gonyo (I) in the general election.[37]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1998

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

91.3%

175,533

Independent

Jeffrey M. Gonyo

8.5%

16,419

N/A

Scattering

0.2%

342

N/A

Write-in

0%

24

Total Votes

192,318

1996

On November 3, 1998, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Floyd Brenholt (D) in the general election.[38]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1998

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

74.4%

197,910

Democratic

Floyd Brenholt

25.5%

67,740

N/A

Scattering

0.1%

225

Total Votes

265,875

1994

On November 8, 1994, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He ran unopposed in the general election.[39]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1994

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

99.8%

141,617

N/A

Scattering

0.2%

336

Total Votes

141,953

1992

On November 3, 1992, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Ingrid K. Buxton (D), David E. Marlow (I) and Jeffrey Holt Millikin (L) in the general election.[40]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1992

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

69.7%

192,898

Democratic

Ingrid K. Buxton

28%

77,362

Independent

David E. Marlow

1.7%

4,619

Libertarian

Jeffrey Holt Millikin

0.7%

1,881

N/A

Scattering

0%

27

Total Votes

276,787

1990

On November 6, 1990, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He ran unopposed in the general election.[41]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1990

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

99.7%

117,967

N/A

Scattering

0.3%

354

Total Votes

118,321

1988

On November 3, 1998, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Thomas J. Hickey (D) in the general election.[42]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1998

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

74.9%

185,093

Democratic

Thomas J. Hickey

25.1%

62,003

N/A

Scattering

0%

8

Total Votes

247,104

1986

On November 4, 1986, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Thomas G. Popp (D) in the general election.[43]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1986

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

78.2%

138,766

Democratic

Thomas G. Popp

21.8%

38,636

N/A

Scattering

0%

6

Total Votes

177,408

1984

On November 6, 1984, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated John Krause (D) and Stephen K. Hauser (Constitution) in the general election.[44]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1984

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

73.4%

180,247

Democratic

John Krause

26.1%

64,157

Constitution

Stephen K. Hauser

0.5%

1,306

N/A

Other

0%

6

Total Votes

245,716

1982

On November 2, 1982, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated write-in candidates in the general election.[45]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1982

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

99.9%

111,503

N/A

Write-in

0.1%

67

Total Votes

111,570

1980

On November 4, 1980, Jim Sensenbrenner won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Gary C. Benedict (D) in the general election.[46]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1980

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrennerincumbent

78.4%

206,227

Democratic

Gary C. Benedict

21.6%

56,838

N/A

Write-in

0%

14

Total Votes

263,079

1978

On November 7, 1978, Jim Sensenbrenner won election to the United States House. He defeated Matthew J. Flynn (D) in the general election.[47]

U.S. House, Wisconsin District 9 General Election, 1978

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Jim Sensenbrenner

61.1%

118,386

Democratic

Matthew J. Flynn

38.8%

75,207

N/A

Scattering

0%

95

Total Votes

193,688

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor information for Sensenbrenner is available dating back to 2000. Based on available campaign finance records, Sensenbrenner raised a total of $4,103,092 during that time period. This information was last updated on April 18, 2013.[48]

Lifetime voting record

According to the website GovTrack, Sensenbrenner missed 328 of 20,180 roll call votes from January 1979 to April 2013. This amounts to 1.6%, which is better than the median of 2.1% among current congressional representatives as of April 2013.[60]

Congressional staff salaries

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Sensenbrenner paid his congressional staff a total of $883,916 in 2011. Overall, Wisconsin ranks 32nd in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[61]

Net worth

2012

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Sensenbrenner's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $15,723,191 to $21,393,142. That averages to $18,558,166.50, which is higher than the average net worth of Republican House members in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Sensenbrenner ranked as the 34th most wealthy representative in 2012.[62]

Jim Sensenbrenner Yearly Net Worth

Year

Avg. Net Worth

% Difference from previous year

2012

$18,558,166.50

14.52%

2011

$16,205,282

-13.48%

2010

$18,730,850.50

N/A

National Journal vote ratings

2012

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Sensenbrenner was 1 of 2 members who ranked 170th in the conservative rankings in 2012.[63]

2011

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Sensenbrenner was 1 of 3 members of congress who ranked 113th in the conservative rankings.[64]

Political positions

Voting with party

2013

Sensenbrenner voted with the Republican Party 92.8% of the time, which ranked 198th among the 234 House Republican members as of June 2013.[65]